Patent GB-493922-A (GB)
Title: Assembly of linked elements capable of transformation from a flexible into a rigid structure and vice versa
IPC: E04C3/00
Filed: 1937-01-13
Abstract: 493,922. Flexible members adapted to form struts. LE ROY, M. Jan. 13, 1937, No. 7513/38. Divided out of and addition to 483,364 under which a Specification was laid open to inspection under Sect. 91 of the Acts, Jan. 14, 1937. [Class 80 (iii)] The parent Specification describes an assembly of linked elements capable of transformation from a flexible into a rigid structure and vice versa, comprising a number of interconnected sections each section comprising a number of said elements and each element being linked in the transverse and longitudinal directions to adjacent elements so as to form a band or strip capable of being wound or rolled when said elements are in a common plane, the connection of said elements enabling the band or strip to be folded longitudinally to form a rigid prism. In this assembly the connecting links project from the outer faces of the elements. According to the invention, the longitudinal and transverse links are arranged on or towards the inner faces of the elements so that the outer faces when folded present a plane uninterrupted surface. The elements 23, 24 of the side longitudinal rows are connected to the elements 22 of the centre row by pins 25 mounted in lugs 22a, 23a, 24a on the inner faces of the elements. The elements 22 are connected to each other by links 26 connected to bosses 22b by pins 29, 29a which are permanently secured within the elements 22. The elements 23, 24 are so constructed that, in the folded condition, they fit together. Alternate elements 23, 24 in each side row are connected together by links 27, 28. Each link 27 is permanently pivoted to a boss 23b or 24b of a respective element 23 or 24 by a pin 30 and, at its opposite end is detachably pivoted by a pin 30a to a boss 24b or 23b, the pin fitting a recess 24c or 23c in the boss. Similarly, each link 28 is permanently pivoted to the boss 23b or 24b of an element 23 or 24 by a pin 31. and, at its opposite end is detachably pivoted by a pin 31a on a boss 24b or 23b of an element 24 or 23. Finally, the links 27, 2S are joined to the link 26 by pins 27a, 28a mounted in lugs 26b, 27b or 28b of said links these pins being in alignment with the pins 25. The outer edges of the elements 23, 24 are provided with projections 23d and corresponding recesses 24d respectively to detachably secure them in the folded condition. The present construction is preferable to that of the parent Specification in that the links 26, 27, 28 are connected to each other by pins 27a, 28a resulting in an appreciable increase in mechanical resistance and, further, the members are of more rigid construction less cumbersome and their joints are better protected. In a modification, Figs. 6b, 7, the elements of each longitudinal row are interconnected by cables 32.. 34, the cables 32, 33 serving to connect the central elements 35 with the side elements 36, 37. The elements 35 are all similar and have lugs 38 through which the cables pass. These lugs have bowlshaped recesses 38a to receive rounded projections 39a on lugs 39 of the elements 36, 37. Each element 35 has an element 36 at one side and an element 37 at the other. Each element 36 has on its outer edge spaced lugs 40 leaving recesses 41 within which engage lugs 40 on the elements 37. Each element 36 is formed with two narrow lugs 40 and a centrally spaced lug of greater width. Each element 37 has only two narrow lugs 40a. Each lug 40, 40a has an offset slot 42 and these slots in the folded condition are aligned by a cable 34. Washers 43 are threaded over the cables and interposed between the lugs 39 to guide the cables in the spaces between the lugs.